If a dog is rabid, will it die? - briefly
Yes, if a dog is rabid, it will eventually die from the disease. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system, leading to severe symptoms and ultimately death.
If a dog is rabid, will it die? - in detail
Rabies in dogs is a severe and often fatal disease caused by the rabies virus, which attacks the nervous system. The prognosis for a rabid dog is generally poor, with most cases resulting in death.
The rabies virus, once it enters the body, travels along the nerves to the brain, where it replicates. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on factors such as the strain of the virus and the distance from the bite site to the brain. During this incubation period, the dog may not show any symptoms.
However, once clinical signs appear, they are usually progressive and irreversible. The classic symptoms of rabies in dogs include changes in behavior such as aggression or depression, difficulty swallowing (hydrophobia), excessive drooling, paralysis, seizures, and eventually coma and death. These symptoms occur because the virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage to nerve tissue.
There is no known cure for rabies once clinical signs appear. Treatment is supportive and aims to manage symptoms and keep the dog comfortable. Euthanasia is often recommended to prevent further suffering and to contain the spread of the virus. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect dogs from contracting rabies, but it must be administered before exposure to the virus.
In summary, if a dog is rabid, it will likely die unless it receives prompt veterinary care and vaccination during the incubation period. However, once clinical signs of rabies appear, the prognosis is grim, and death is the most common outcome.